Falcon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Falcon Dam, located in Roma, Texas, along the Rio Grande River, is a concrete structure with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1953, this dam stands at a height of 150 feet and has a hydraulic height of 141 feet, with a structural height of 175 feet. It has a storage capacity of 3,177,000 acre-feet, making it a crucial water management infrastructure in the region.

With a surface area of 115,400 acres and a drainage area of 159,270 square miles, Falcon Dam plays a vital role in providing irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding areas. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 350 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2007, Falcon Dam has a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region.

Managed by the International Boundary and Water Commission, Falcon Dam is a key component in the water infrastructure of the area, with a very high risk assessment rating. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, this dam continues to be a critical asset for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region, serving as a safeguard against floods and providing essential water supply for various purposes.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

26294

Dam Height

150

River Or Stream

Rio Grande

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

115400

Hydraulic Height

141

Drainage Area

159270

Nid Storage

3177000

Structural Height

175

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

175
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.